For Stylo I wanted a dress that felt a bit like outerwear, and could act as the equivalent piece to the quilted vest in the little boy look. I also wanted inset sleeves, and a ton of very short volume. I settled on the 5 & 10 Designs Vol. 1 Dress. The original look came with all the parts and pieces for Gretel's trail, but will be worn much more simply as L's Christmas dress.
PATTERN: I requested this pattern for the sizing, and didn't really concern myself with the instructions. The versatility is the beauty of a simple pattern like this. I altered the pattern to accommodate buttons along the entire length of the back. I didn't line the bodice as directed, just used a flannel facing at the cuffs and neck opening. I also used the bonus sleeve pattern piece and added flannel lined pockets stolen from the Oliver + S Playtime Dress.
FABRIC: This is positively dreamy cotton/linen blend from Michael Levin. If I had had my wits about me yesterday I would have ordered more on sale. This would be perfect for an Alder Dress, its got a nice drape but reasonably substantial weight.
SIZE/FIT: I cut a 6, to allow for maximum boxiness at the waist, and volume in the skirt. I think this pattern runs a little small, because it is still fairly tight in the sleeves.
I wanted the Stylo look to be scandalously short. But the scandalous length wasn't really practical for real world wear. With a 3 inch hem I got the look I wanted but still had the fabric left to lengthen the dress later. When I dropped the hem, I also added a button to the bottom. Those few tweaks, some red tights, and candle light service worthy maryjanes, and L is ready for Christmas Eve.
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LOVE that plaid detailing! This is so classic, I really love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monica! I can't get enough plaid flannel this year.
DeleteThat's a lovely dress. Simple yet interesting with the tartar cuffs. Nice one!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shelley! I'm hoping you can't go wrong with a classic.
DeleteThis is just beautiful and perfect for the holidays! I love the little bits of plaid. I want to make a dress for my daughter and she requested that it use the same plaid as her brother's vest. I only have a tiny amount of fabric left but I might be able to do some sleeve cuffs.... thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elizabeth. I just peeped at your vest, a coordinating dress would be adorable!
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